Jackson Lee speaks at Scientology national office opening

In the wake of publicity over the movie “The Master” and Tom Cruise’s divorce, the Church of Scientology opened its national office last week in Washington, D.C., drawing support from Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and other officials.

“I want to thank L. Ron Hubbard for recognizing that courage is not rewarded but it is valued. And to be able to have the wonderment of people coming together and ensuring that people come together for peace. That’s what I see in the Church, that you have come together for peace. I welcome and support that,” Jackson Lee is quoted during Thursday’s ceremony.

The website notes Burton supports the group’s “signal contributions in the protection of children from psychotropic drugging and preservation of the rights of families” and Davis thanked the church for pushing for criminal justice reforms. Gibson praised the group’s disaster relief efforts, the Scientology website says.

Church of Scientology spokeswoman Karin Poux told The Daily Caller that none of the government officials at the grand opening are members of the church.

The Daily Caller delves deeper into the church’s background and clashes with the federal government. The website was founded in 2010 by former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson and Neil Patel, former Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief policy adviser.

The DCist website offers another look at the timing of the group’s new headquarters and recent controversies.